As summer sinks in, the Riverside Park on the Upper West Side is blooming with radiant, colorful flowers. As Charles Bowden says, summer time is always the best of everything that might be. Such is the scene here and everywhere. The diversity of the blooms in the park is splendid. The abundant sunshine, and periods of rain provided the much-needed moisture in the air crucial for the flowers to blossom.

It was a regular thirty minute mid-week run for me through the park. I was determined to find my summer muse. For several minutes I admired the sunset over the Hudson river. Though stunning, it didn’t do the trick for me. Nonetheless, what caught my eye as I descended the path towards West 84th street was an abundance of hydrangea blossoms. Dazzling in soft white, blues, pinks and purples. The soft flowers made an amazing display against the dark green leaves as if saying out loud ‘look at me.’ One of my favorite flowers, the star-shaped hydrangeas are closely packed, forming a delicate lacelike ball as seen in the picture above.

Over focused shot of ‘Nikko’ Blue Hydrangea at Riverside Park

Hydrangea Macrophylla ‘Nikko’ Blue-
Hydrangea Nikko blue is one of the best blue blooms you can lay your eyes on. Its blossoms start with flowers that are cream-colored with blue margins, and turn a solid gorgeous blue as the plant matures. The flowers flaunt emerald-green, with tooth edged large leaves. The deep green foliage adds great beauty to its flowers.

To achieve the bluest blossom possible from your ‘Nikko’ hydrangea blush keep the soil on the acidic side. This mophead variety blooms earlier than most blossoms, usually beginning in June, and endures for two months.

Some interesting facts about Hydrangea
Hydrangea stands for gratefulness and heartfelt feelings. Some others connect hydrangea to boastfulness because of its abundance of flowers and its round shape. The blossoms of hydrangea are treasured for their boldness and delicacy.

In the language of flowers, hydrangea conveys a beautiful message ‘Thank you for understanding.’

Do you own a hydrangea blossom in you garden or home? Or love the flower for its priceless beauty? Share your views in the comment below.